| Sunday Reflections: Targets and goals |
| Did you set any New Years Resolutions, goals, or targets for the year? If so, how are you progressing towards those targets or goals. I have noticed over the years that this is an area in which many people struggle. Usually by the end of January most common people have already given up on their goals. However, I don’t think you are common, rather, I believe you are uncommon. I would like to offer some ideas on both how to better set these targets and just as importantly reach them. We are teleological by nature, this means that we do better when we have clear targets or goals. This gives us a sense of direction. Without clear targets we can sometimes find ourselves aimlessly wandering around in circles. However, what I am suggesting here is rather than beginning the process with the goal first, begin with creating a future identity for yourself. When it comes to training, much of what we focus on really could be summarized in the area of “ENERGY.” So, the question is what do you want your Energy identity to become. What is your potential and what does the best version of you look, perform, and feel like.This is similar to the exercise of “The Future Self.” This Identity can become your why. If you connect with this identity, then you must act in accordance with it. James Clear references this idea in his book, Atomic Habits. He says, if you have created the habit of smoking and wish to change that habit, you will be much more likely to succeed by creating the identity of being a non smoker than that of a smoker who wants to quit. In reality, the Fletcher Fitness system is built around this idea. In other words, the system I have created and share, is one built upon creating a certain Energy Identity. I am ultimately sharing that process with those it resonates with. So, I thought it may her helpful to share this idea with you. You may find that you have a similar identity that you are trying to create. The process entails the following: 1. Establish your identiy 2. Determine which values and virtues support that identity 3. Take daily actions that support those values and that help you close the gap to becoming this version of yourself My personal Energy Identity is to be a Spiritual Master Warrior. Simply put, this means choosing a path of mastery connecting to something higher than myself to serve others. Virtues related to that identity. I am strong I am anti fragile I am resilient I am energized I am focused, intense, and disciplined in my training I am a courageous and lethal protector of my family and friends All of my training is dictated by the above and ultimately the Fletcher Fitness system is aimed at helping people become Stronger, More Resilient, and More Energized in Body, Mind and Spirit for Life! The following action steps when aligned with your identity and values/virtues will lead to your success. Master What You Do Once you find something to commit to, work to be the best you can at it. Be a master of your craft. Focus Your Efforts To be successful, you have to stay focused. It is easy to get distracted but if you want to be successful it is important to maintain focus on that which you want to master. Work Hard This goes without saying. If you want to be successful you need to put in the work. There are exceptions where people can get by on natural talent and be successful but this is the exception not the rule. Work hard on doing the common things uncommonly well! Don’t Ever, Ever, Quit Once you commit, don’t quit. First, make a commitment. If you want to be successful you need to commit to doing so. Once you commit, you have to show up, work hard, focus your efforts, and take massive action. If you do these things consistently and don’t quit, then you have an excellent chance for success. A great example of this process is also evident in our Jiujitsu program.If you simply follow those steps, you will eventually earn your black belt. For some it will take longer than others but the process is the same. To do so, however, is uncommon. Unfortunately, we have many who quit. Some do so after only a few months. Everybody has excuses but I would really like to know the true reason. Is it that they never truly committed? Could it be that they never really fell in love with the art? Or was it that the work was harder than they anticipated? We have heard Thom Shea say, “What could you accomplish if you just learned how to not quit?” |